Can Hillary Win? Looking Towards 2008

Will she or won’t she?

Speculation is rife that Hillary Rodham Clinton, former First Lady and currently U.S. Senator representing New York state, will gun for the top political post in the land come 2008. She has officially set her sights on reelection to the august Senate, but reports from Time Magazine have it that to date Ms. Clinton has already US$ 33 million in campaign contributions ostensibly for the reelection bid, and recruited 13 political consultants and 32 full-time staffers. (Please note that Federal law allows her to transfer unused Senate campaign funds to a kitty for a stab at the presidency. Very convenient, isn’t it.) She has even outlined a centrist campaign agenda where the economy, privacy and energy policy are spotlighted. Clinton also made use of modern-day wonders such as the Internet and direct-mail operations to maintain public interest in her. Maybe even a blog or two, soon enough? Even now, both supporters and critics have set up web sites to drum interest in Hillary, or to shoot down any pretensions, disclose personal flaws. Cyber traffic isn’t heavy just yet, but as things get more settled, decisions made -- oh my, the fur will fly! And so will brickbats.

Many quarters believe that Clinton is better prepared to take on presidential duties because of her stint as Senator, that America is now ready for a woman president. A USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll conducted in May 2005 showed that many Americans are likely to vote for Hillary if she does decide to run for the presidency. The most astute will point out that the political tandem of her husband Bill the master strategist and she the prolific fundraiser will most certainly boost Hillary’s chances of winning. Critics, however, point out that although Clinton may bag the Democratic nomination for the Presidency, she may not win the ultimate coveted plum for various reasons.

She would have to reinvent herself to convince people in general that she is better qualified to represent them, that she isn't just some liberal (although lately she has been observed to be moving towards the center), that she has their best interest in mind. No more, no less. Hillary has a rather contradictory quality -- of being open and likable, then being remote, aloof, and unreachable. She has been observed to be rather 'shrill' and strident, and radiates an uptight, wary public persona rather than the laid-back, 'Hi-How are you?' type that could gain more mileage.

Then there is her husband, known skirt-chaser Bill/ "Bubba," whatever: her greatest asset is also her albatross. Joe Klein of Time.com described the former President as '... a one-man supermarket tabloid ... who absent any evidence, should be considered guilty until proved really really guilty." But is it fair to visit the sins of the husband upon the wife?

The recent polls that show Hillary as the strong contender ironically may still change, just as people are apt to do. As political pundits observed, it is still too early to conclude that Hillary is the Democrats’ best bet. There are still too many issues past and present, his (Bill’s) and hers. Her gender may also be an issue -- this in a country that is known for gender awareness and equal opportunity. Lest shadows of doubt are cast on her intellectual and leadership abilities, however, there shouldn’t be any: Hillary is smart, can quickly understand difficult issues, and can inspire absolute loyalty in people who work for her. She may be accused of being a calculating shrew and of adjusting her actions constantly, riding the waves as necessary. One thing‘s for sure, though: she is a savvy politician, she’s tough, and she will weather this and any other storm that comes her way.